Involvement of the Adrenal Gland in Ovulation of the Fowl

ABSTRACT Dexamethasone (DCM) injection (2 mg./kg.) was found to block ovulation only when administered 14 hours before an expected ovulation of C,. This blocking effect was overcome by ACTH injection. Neither progesterone (0.5 mg./kg.) nor corticosterone (2 mg./kg.) alone were able to maintain "normal " ovulation in DCM treated hens. However, corticosterone (2 mg./kg.) with progesterone (.5 mg./kg.) acted synergestically to bring about normal ovulation in DCM treated hens. When different steroids were used as hydroxycortico-sterone and desoxycorticosterone acetate along with progesterone, the blocking effect of DCM on ovulation was not abolished. Results of this study indicate that the adrenal gland might play a role in the release of LH 14 hours prior to ovulation of the C, follicle